Turn a standard quilt block into a fun drawstring bag. This bag uses Block 1 from our Block of the Month Series.
I’m so excited to share with you the first project as part of the Fairfield 2015 Technique Block of the Month. over the course of the year, we’ll make a baby sampler quilt, and you can make the monthly project as well. Or, you can just make the monthly projects – it is up to you! This month, I’m making a Drawstring Bag, using the Half-Square Triangle block we made earlier this month. However, you could use any block from this quilt, or any block that finishes at 12″ (is 12.5″ x 12.5″ before getting stitched into the quilt).
Start by cutting your fabric, Along with your Monthly Quilt Block, you’ll need:
Fabric A (outer fabric):
1 – 12.5″ x 8.5″
1 – 20.5″ x 12.5″
2 – 2.5″ x WOF (Width of Fabric)
Fabric B (lining fabric):
2 – 20.5″ x 12.5″
Fairfield Shield
2 – 20.5″ x 12.5″
Start by stitching the 12.5″ x 8.5″ piece to the top of your quilt block. You can use whichever block you like – here I’m making two different versions. Press the seam.
Put the two 20.5″ x 12.5″ pieces right sides together. Put the shield on the top and on the bottom, sandwiching the fabric in the middle.
Pin along the two 20.5″ sides, and the bottom 12.5″ side.If you’d like to keep the bag as water resistant as possible, use clips instead of pins to hold the layers together. Stitch along the three sides, leaving a 5″ gap at the bottom, which will be used for turning later.
Put the piece face down onto the 20.5″ x 12.5″ backing piece. Stitch along the long sides and the bottom, just like you did with the lining in the last step, but no need to leave a hole for turning this time.
Turn the outside piece right-side out.
Place the outside in the inside, and pin in place.
Stitch all the way around the top.
Using the hole you left in the lining, flip the whole bag right side out. Then tuck the lining into the bag, and pin around the top.
Top stitch 1/8″ away from the edge to secure the top edge and give the bag a nice, finished look.
Measure 3 1/2″ from the top edge, and mark, then 1 1/4″ from the mark you just made, and make a second mark. Repeat on the back.
Pin the layers in place, then top stitch all the way around, on both lines. This creates the casing for the draw string.
Use a seam ripper to open up the side seams on either side of the casing. If you like, use a little Fray Check on the seams to prevent fraying.
Fold the 2 1/2″ strips in half, and stitch all the way down the length.
Turn the draw string right side out, and press flat.
Top stitch 1/4″ from each side.
Using a bodkin or large safety pin, thread the draw string into one hole, all the way around. Then repeat with the other side.
Tie the ends in an overhand knot.
Your bag is complete!
